Mac and PC

[bj097]

What you can do with a PC but not a Mac and what you can do with a Mac but not a PC?

I am thinking if I should change from a PC user to a Mac user.

My desktop PC is failing recently and I am going to buy a new computer for my home use. It will be used for part-time freelance work and entertainment. However, I have never used a Macintosh before.

I think I am not going to get an Apple laptop because I really do not like typing with laptop's keyboard. I like typing with my old-school mechanical keyboard.

I also have a computer screen that is fully functional.

Is getting a mini Mac good start? Is using a Mac a lot more restricted than using a PC?

 

[dandeco]

A Mac Mini would definitely be a good start. If you do digital multimedia work (like audio and video editing), you'll definitely want to configure the Mini's order with 16 GB of RAM. Because it just comes with the computer and its' power cord, you can already use your existing keyboard, mouse and display with it, bearing in mind you might need an adapter (and for a Thunderbolt 3-enabled Mac, it wouldn't hurt to get a Thunderbolt 3/USB-C dock or hub to use with it, like if you need more USB-A ports, SD card slot, and a few other things).
I generally only need to use Windows for work, so I have a 15" Retina MacBook Pro from 2015 that I use for my Intel Mac needs, including a Windows 11 Boot Camp partition for my workplace's applications that require Windows to run, and for making a few types of videos I may use Speakonia (for my "Rugrats" gag dubs' dialogue) or Wrapper/GoAnimate (I don't really make those inane "Character Gets Grounded" videos, but I like deconstructing them and also making parodies of the "Get a Mac" commercials) or Microsoft 3D Movie Maker (it'll even run on modern versions of Windows!) but other than those, the Mac OS serves all my needs.

 

[EdwardC]

Thats a really open ended question there. I use both for my work as a Sales Engineer and I find a P.C. is much better for general office work using MS office and is much better for C.A.D. use. That being said I do enjoy using my M1 Mini from time to time but it really is my personal computer vs. the P.C. (HP Z2 workstation running Windows 11 Pro for Workstations)which is a beast and is awesome for my day to day work load.

 

[EdwardC]

A Mac Mini would definitely be a good start. If you do digital multimedia work (like audio and video editing), you'll definitely want to configure the Mini's order with 16 GB of RAM. Because it just comes with the computer and its' power cord, you can already use your existing keyboard, mouse and display with it, bearing in mind you might need an adapter (and for a Thunderbolt 3-enabled Mac, it wouldn't hurt to get a Thunderbolt 3/USB-C dock or hub to use with it, like if you need more USB-A ports, SD card slot, and a few other things).
I generally only need to use Windows for work, so I have a 15" Retina MacBook Pro from 2015 that I use for my Intel Mac needs, including a Windows 11 Boot Camp partition for my workplace's applications that require Windows to run, and for making a few types of videos I may use Speakonia (for my "Rugrats" gag dubs' dialogue) or Wrapper/GoAnimate (I don't really make those inane "Character Gets Grounded" videos, but I like deconstructing them and also making parodies of the "Get a Mac" commercials) or Microsoft 3D Movie Maker (it'll even run on modern versions of Windows!) but other than those, the Mac OS serves all my needs.

100% agreed on 16 GB of RAM!!!

 

[Fishrrman]

Be aware that the current m1 Mini is nearing the end of its lifespan, and is due to be replaced by an updated version before too much longer (but not until next year).

If you're going to buy one, I'd buy from the Apple Refurbished online store and save a little $$$.

VERY IMPORTANT:
As has been mentioned above, DO NOT buy one with only 8gb of RAM.
Get 16gb of RAM !!!

 

[theluggage]

My desktop PC is failing recently and I am going to buy a new computer for my home use. It will be used for part-time freelance work and entertainment. However, I have never used a Macintosh before.

What do you use it for? Not just general areas, but what specific software do you rely on?

If in doubt, decide what software you need to use, then buy the system that runs it best.

There is very little computing-wise that Macs *can't* do - but there are some areas, particularly specialist software, where there is a restricted choice of software that might not do if that is an important part of your work (someone has already mentioned CAD) other areas where it is particularly strong (video/audio/graphics) especially in terms of how capable machines like the M1 Mini and MacBook Air are now.

The Mac version of MS Office is pretty good (and alternative office suites are available) - but there's no MS Access or MS Project and some of the advanced features of Excel are missing. Depending on what you need to do that may be irrelevant or a complete deal-breaker. Web browser-wise, if you don't like the default, Safari, you can install Chrome, open-source Chromium, Microsoft Edge, Firefox etc. to taste.

 

[nothingtoseehere]

What do you use it for? Not just general areas, but what specific software do you rely on?

If in doubt, decide what software you need to use, then buy the system that runs it best.

There is very little computing-wise that Macs *can't* do - but there are some areas, particularly specialist software, where there is a restricted choice of software that might not do if that is an important part of your work (someone has already mentioned CAD) other areas where it is particularly strong (video/audio/graphics) especially in terms of how capable machines like the M1 Mini and MacBook Air are now.

The Mac version of MS Office is pretty good (and alternative office suites are available) - but there's no MS Access or MS Project and some of the advanced features of Excel are missing. Depending on what you need to do that may be irrelevant or a complete deal-breaker. Web browser-wise, if you don't like the default, Safari, you can install Chrome, open-source Chromium, Microsoft Edge, Firefox etc. to taste.

Precisely.

And yes, a Mac mini M1 is a great computer. I got one myself and do WFH there while in my office, there are PCs.

As mentioned by @Fishrrman and @dandeco, get 16 GB.

 

[Misheemee]

What you can do with a PC but not a Mac and what you can do with a Mac but not a PC?

I am thinking if I should change from a PC user to a Mac user.

My desktop PC is failing recently and I am going to buy a new computer for my home use. It will be used for part-time freelance work and entertainment. However, I have never used a Macintosh before.

I think I am not going to get an Apple laptop because I really do not like typing with laptop's keyboard. I like typing with my old-school mechanical keyboard.

I also have a computer screen that is fully functional.

Is getting a mini Mac good start? Is using a Mac a lot more restricted than using a PC?

Sorry to throw more into the mix but -

You could look at getting a laptop and putting it on a stand and connecting it to your monitor which converts it to a desktop, but allows you the portability when (if) you want/need it - which will allow you to use your mechanical keyboard

I'd start with looking into whether the programs you need (assuming this is a work computer) are available on Mac, and how a Mac would perform with your company's system architecture.

benefits of the Mac over PC - the user experience, Mac OS, the build quality and experience, and the Apple ecosystem and the way it integrates. Example of the Apple Ecosystem - my Apple Watch can unlock my MacBook Pro, my AirPods connect seamlessly from my iPhone to my MacBook Pro when needed, my iPad can act as a second screen for my MacBook Pro when on the go, I can get messages from my iPhone on my MacBook Pro, and I can highlight text or copy a link on my iPhone and paste it on my iPad or my MacBook Pro. The MacBook Pro is a beautiful laptop to use and an amazing experience, but the ecosystem is where it's at.

I use a surface laptop 4 for work (provided by work) and have a MacBook Pro 14" with a desktop setup at home - 2 monitors, external keyboard and mouse and am really happy with the setup. The Surface 4 is fine and does the job well, but the premium feel, use, Mac OS is just a more enjoyable experience and the apps/programs available on the Mac (like fantastical, things 3 etc) are above and beyond the windows experience

as mentioned above - whichever you pick, go with 16gb of Ram

The below is a pic of my laptop setup for desktop use with my Surface Laptop on a work day, but normally my MacBook Pro is in it's place

 

[bj097]

What do you use it for? Not just general areas, but what specific software do you rely on?

If in doubt, decide what software you need to use, then buy the system that runs it best.

There is very little computing-wise that Macs *can't* do - but there are some areas, particularly specialist software, where there is a restricted choice of software that might not do if that is an important part of your work (someone has already mentioned CAD) other areas where it is particularly strong (video/audio/graphics) especially in terms of how capable machines like the M1 Mini and MacBook Air are now.

The Mac version of MS Office is pretty good (and alternative office suites are available) - but there's no MS Access or MS Project and some of the advanced features of Excel are missing. Depending on what you need to do that may be irrelevant or a complete deal-breaker. Web browser-wise, if you don't like the default, Safari, you can install Chrome, open-source Chromium, Microsoft Edge, Firefox etc. to taste.

Hi. GIMP is probably the ONLY professional software that I will use, I like editing photos. Other than that, I will mostly only browse a website and check email, do shopping online, nothing else. I don't play games at all. I like watching video on Youtube. (Watch only, I don't upload.)

Oh yes I almost forgot. I use LibreOffice word and its spreadsheet for very simple task only. e.g. Putting down names, doing SUM

 

[Bento.Box]

First, a Mac is also a PC. PC just stands for "personal computer" and it describes a system that is meant to be used by one person - in contrast to a mainframe or a microcontroller for example. Nowadays, PCs can be used more flexible though.

Apple supplies some models with their own operating system. You can use other operating systems as well.

So what which roles can do non apple PCs fullfill that Macs are less suited for?
In my view:
- servers, especially rack-mounted ones. Specifically, they miss out on the remote management features.
- embedded solutions, e.g. HTPC. Even the cheapest macs are unneccessarily expensive and loose out to for example an arduino or raspberry pie or an intel atom. They also miss out on ports that may be hard to fit afterwards due to driver issues.
- gaming: Performance macs loose out on price and are, unfortunately, not well supported. This is usually one of the few cases where, as a consumer, you would install windows on a PC rather than run it on Linux or BSD. In my view, that's the main reason why Windows PCs became so dominant for home users.
- virtualization: most VMs are built around x86, trying to do that on apple silicon is less than optimal. Depends on what you want to do.

On the other hand, basically everything you can do with a mac you can do with any other PC. However, it is often more tedious, especially if it runs on Microsoft Windows. That'll cost you motivation and time. And sometimes give you eye cancer or the urge to punch someone in the face.

If you want to try out a mac, then the mac mini is a great choice in my view. However, wait until the new one get's released early next year.
It was also my first apple computer that I personally bought in 2005 and it remained in service until 2021.

 

[theluggage]

Hi. GIMP is probably the ONLY professional software that I will use, I like editing photos. Other than that, I will mostly only browse a website and check email, do shopping online, nothing else. I don't play games at all. I like watching video on Youtube. (Watch only, I don't upload.)

GIMP certainly runs on Mac, but I'm not sure how good the Mac version is because its an open source package and relies very much on volunteers giving their time to work on the Mac version for free. Libreoffice is similar, but AFAIK the Mac version of that is fairly solid. Those are both open-source, cross platform packages that started out on Linux - very powerful but not always the most polished or easiest-to-use, even on Windows.

The Photos app included with MacOS will manage your photos and do basic adjustments, filters, cropping etc. If you need a "proper" photo editor, GIMP is certainly an option but, Pixelmator, Pixelmator Pro and Affinity Photo are popular, affordable and generally more user friendly than GIMP and will probably make better use of an M1 (I'm not going to say "more powerful" because last I looked GIMP was insanely powerful if you didn't mind the vertical learning curve).

Same story with wordprocessing/spreadsheet - "Pages" and "Numbers" come with MacOS and will most probably do what you need, Libreoffice for Mac is free.

Frankly, though, your workload barely needs the power of a Mac Mini and could probably be done with a cheaper PC. That shouldn't stop you buying a Mac if you like it, just being realistic.

What you will be hit with is that some things are "just different" - conventions as to how the user interface works, how the control keys on the keyboard work etc. Switching operating systems is always confusing (speaking as someone who has bounced between MacOS, Classic MacOS, Windows, VMS, Unix/Linux and RISC-OS, sometimes all of them in the space of a day) so there will always be a frustrating adjustment period.

First, a Mac is also a PC. PC just stands for "personal computer" and it describes a system that is meant to be used by one person - in contrast to a mainframe or a microcontroller for example. Nowadays, PCs can be used more flexible though.

That's one of those pedantic statements that is technically correct but practically inaccurate and misleading. Sorry pedants, colloquial English is ambiguous, dictionaries don't define the language - they document usage - and words mean different things in different contexts. Seeing "Mac and PC" in a title should make it pretty obvious what is actually meant (Don't seriously diasagree with the rest of your points, though).

 

[theorist9]

That question can be interpreted two ways:

1) What apps can I run on a PC but not a Mac, and vice versa? That's too open-ended. For that, you first you need to let us know what apps you currently use on a PC. Then we can tell you if those apps, or good substitutes for them, are available on the Mac.

2) What can I do with Windows but not MacOS, and vice versa? Again, a whole book could be written about this. But for most users, that's not quite the right question to ask, since most things you can do on one OS, you can do on the other. The better question is instead: How easy it is for you to do those things in one OS vs. the other? That's really the heart of the difference between the two—and that depends on the person.*

Some strongly prefer working in Windows, while others strongly prefer working in MacOS. And, while obviously most here fall in the latter camp, that's not something we can tell you—it's something you'll need to discover for youself. But a warning: Initially, everything in MacOS will seem harder, but that's just because you're not used to it. You'll need a few months, probably, before you're comfortable enough in MacOS to asssess the differences.

If you do buy a Mac, here's a great thread that gives all sorts of tips for first-time Mac buyers:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/just-bought-my-first-mac.2356661/page-3?post=31392686#post-31392686

*If you have a specific and unusual type of task you do with your PC, then it would be worth describing that task and asking how it's done on the Mac.

 

[maflynn]

What you can do with a PC but not a Mac

Games
Wide variety of hardware/peripherals
PCs can install other operating systems
Desktop PCs have upgradeable components
Stay on a single version of the OS but still receive updates
Customization of the OS is much easier
Touch screens

 

[theorist9]

Here's all you really need to know:

 

[Bento.Box]

That's one of those pedantic statements that is technically correct but practically inaccurate and misleading. Sorry pedants, colloquial English is ambiguous, dictionaries don't define the language - they document usage - and words mean different things in different contexts. Seeing "Mac and PC" in a title should make it pretty obvious what is actually meant (Don't seriously diasagree with the rest of your points, though).

But it isn't. PC is a class of devices. "Mac and PC" simply doesn't make much sense.

Same if someone would ask "What's the difference between Lenovo and PC?"
"OSX and Windows" would at least be the same category.

You don't have to use language perfectly, but at least be a little bit precise, it makes it easier for others to understand.

 

[maflynn]

That's one of those pedantic statements that is technically correct but practically inaccurate and misleading.

I have to disagree, most people know what someone is asking when they pose a question mac vs. pc.

The question and discussion is valid, PCs can do things that the Mac can do. The Mac can do things the PC can't do. Its up to each of us to determine if the pluses and minuses of each platform line up to our priorities.

 

[theorist9]

First, a Mac is also a PC. PC just stands for "personal computer" and it describes a system that is meant to be used by one person - in contrast to a mainframe or a microcontroller for example. Nowadays, PCs can be used more flexible though.

That's one usage, but certainly not the only (nor even the most common) one:

It's as if I used to "lead" to refer to a pencil lead, and you insisted "no, lead is an element, and pencil cores are made with graphite".

 

[Bento.Box]

I have to disagree, most people know what someone is asking when they pose a question mac vs. pc.

I know what someone is asking in such cases. Question is: Do they know themselves?

The question and discussion is valid, PCs can do things that the Mac can do. The Mac can do things the PC can't do. Its up to each of us to determine if the pluses and minuses of each platform line up to our priorities.

You're wrong. A PC can do everything a Mac can do.

 

[maflynn]

You're wrong. A PC can do everything a Mac can do.

Many, if not most PCs cannot run macOS natively.
Even if you load macOS, its incredibly hard and for some impossible to get iMessage to work
Internet recovery (I know MS is working on this but I don't think its there yet)
Quick Look
Continuity to connect your Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch
Air Drop
Unlock your computer with your apple watch.

I can keep googling but there are things that Macs can do that PCs cannot.

 

[Bento.Box]

Many, if not most PCs cannot run macOS natively.
Even if you load macOS, its incredibly hard and for some impossible to get iMessage to work
Internet recovery (I know MS is working on this but I don't think its there yet)
Quick Look
Continuity to connect your Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch
Air Drop
Unlock your computer with your apple watch.

I can keep googling but there are things that Macs can do that PCs cannot.

My MBP is a PC and can do all those things.
(although I never use any of them)

And, as a sidenote, there are also macs that can't do those things (e.g. my PowerG4 mac mini running Debian)

Plus, a lot of computers, since decades, can be (re)installed via network. If you want, you can customize it even with a subsequent restore of user data.

 

[theluggage]

But it isn't. PC is a class of devices. "Mac and PC" simply doesn't make much sense.

Since 1981 the abbreviation "PC" has been strongly associated with a specific hardware/software platform - the IBM PC, "PC compatibles" and their modern descendants (for which "PC" is the only simple label).

Yes, it is also an abbreviation of "personal computer" and means that in some contexts (e.g. discussing the state of the PC industry) but when somebody asks whether they should get a Mac or a PC that is very clearly not what they mean by "PC". Sorry, but that's the way that language works.

You don't have to use language perfectly, but at least be a little bit precise, it makes it easier for others to understand.

If you like precision then presumably you know that precision is not the same as accuracy. Spurious precision is not helpful.

Here the fact that the Mac could be described as a "personal computer" really adds nothing of value.

I have to disagree, most people know what someone is asking when they pose a question mac vs. pc.

I was responding to someone who actually said "a Mac is also a PC" (someone needs to tell Tim Cook that). Something that's pedantically defensible (maybe even true during the 2006-2020 Intel Mac era) but completely unhelpful and misleading in this context.

 

[theluggage]

You're wrong. A PC can do everything a Mac can do.

Try running Logic Pro or FCPX (without violating Apple's license terms by using Hackintosh tools to install MacOS on a PC & hitting a dead end in a couple of years when Apple drops support for, first, pre-T2 and then all x86).

Sure, a PC can do music production or video editing - but if you've spent years learning how to use a complex bit of software and/or have a huge collection of projects in a particular format, you can't turn on a dime and switch to a different system overnight. Likewise - you can, in general terms, do CAD and play games on a Mac, but the limited choice of software might not fit your needs.

There's a big difference between the theory (any Turing-complete computer with sufficient resources can perform any possible computation) and the practical reality in which people need the appropriate software and support.

Turns out the OP is using cross-platform, free software that is available for Mac. They still need to check whether the Mac versions are any good. The Mac is arguably better than the PC at being able to run a lot of open-source software from the Unix/Linux world (one of the reasons I've stuck with Mac) but I really wouldn't suggest to a newbie that they rush out and install MacPorts or Homebrew and XQuartz, or unconditionally recommend a "native Mac OS" port with one volunteer developer who's going to leave college and get a real job next year.

 

[AndyMacAndMic]

You're wrong. A PC can do everything a Mac can do.

Try running Logic Pro or FCPX (without violating Apple's license terms by using Hackintosh tools to install MacOS on a PC & hitting a dead end in a couple of years when Apple drops support for, first, pre-T2 and then all x86).

@theluggage and @Bento.Box this is turning into a fruitless semantics discussion since you both have a different definition of what a PC is. One defines that a PC also includes a Mac and the other does not. In this manner you will keep talking until the cows come home. Maybe you will both win a price for derailing this thread on the first page already !

 

[theluggage]

@theluggage and @Bento.Box this is turning into a fruitless semantics discussion since you both have a different definition of what a PC is.

Buh, buh buh... (ob. xkcd.com

I'm being quite clear that PC has two meanings, but only one is relevant to this thread. And apart from the pedantry fun over that particular point, both myself & @Bento.Box - along with several others - have already provided (hopefully) helpful and constructive responses to the OP.

...but "a PC can do anything a Mac can do" (or vice-versa) and similar statements are just plain misleading to anybody seeking practical advice.

A tomato is a fruit, some people do call a pizza a pie, but if someone orders a fruit pie you don't serve them a tomato pizza.

 

[AndyMacAndMic]

Buh, buh buh... (ob. xkcd.com

I'm being quite clear that PC has two meanings, but only one is relevant to this thread. And apart from the pedantry fun over that particular point, both myself & @Bento.Box - along with several others - have already provided (hopefully) helpful and constructive responses to the OP.

...but "a PC can do anything a Mac can do" (or vice-versa) and similar statements are just plain misleading to anybody seeking practical advice.

A tomato is a fruit, some people do call a pizza a pie, but if someone orders a fruit pie you don't serve them a tomato pizza.

You don't know when to stop do you 😂